Days, Courses, etc.

Upcoming Events:

January 2018 - July 2018:

In this booklet we have collated the formation in our diocese on offer from January to July 2018. This provides a breadth of formation suited to many different needs and stages of faith development.

I hope that the events advertised here will be shared and promoted amongst our communities and that people will have a raised awareness of the varied ways that they can grow and be formed in faith in order to make plans. As with all resources that have gone to print changes can occur so please refer back to this page regularly for any updates and any new events.

'Divine Renovation, From Maintenance to Mission'

Alpha course led by Michael Roche and Amy Cameron.

Saturday 24 February 2018 from 9.30am until 1.00pm at St. John Vianney, West Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1DP.

Courses for Catechists

Catechesis in the Mission of the Church

We are very blessed in our Diocese with over 1000 catechists currently involved in every area of catechesis. Their faith and commitment continue to inspire so many of our people. Some catechists have been involved in this ministry for many years while others have become involved more recently. We are deeply grateful for their witness.

This course for catechists, ‘Catechesis in the Mission of the Church’ is now in its fourth year and has already been of great benefit to those who engaged with it. Its purpose is to support those already involved in catechesis in further developing their own faith and understanding and also to offer a structured programme for those interested in becoming a catechist. Each of the modules offers a time of prayer, teaching, reflection and also a time for questions.

As well as the 18 modules spread over three terms, there will also be offered sessions of preparation for the specific areas of catechesis i.e. Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist and a Day of Recollection. You will see from this booklet that we have a good team of experienced, dedicated priests, deacons, religious and lay people who will deliver the modules.

This programme will be ongoing for the foreseeable future so it may be that you consider undertaking it over a single year or over several years. Upon completion of the programme, you will be invited to receive a Diocesan Certificate in Catechesis at the Education and Formation Mass celebrated by Bishop Séamus.

CCRS Parish Catechesis Module

You may also be interested in the Parish Catechesis module of the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) course. This module is designed to enable participants to gain an understanding of parish catechesis and to develop approaches to working within a parish setting. It offers an introduction to the theology, principles and goals of parish catechesis. This will take place over two sessions which run from 9.30am - 3.30pm on Saturday 17 and 24 March 2018 at St Cuthbert’s House in Newcastle. There is a fee for this course. Further information on the CCRS course (and the CCRS in general) and the CCRS booking form can be found on the CCRS web page.

Courses for Developing Discipleship

Certificate in Pastoral Ministry

This certificate has been custom designed to meet the needs of those wishing to learn more about serving in a faith setting in our Diocese. It is a non-degree certificate that will monitor progress through practice. Integrating online learning with the chance to meet face to face for support, this certificate provides flexibility and accessibility.

For further support and information email Amy Cameron or tel: 0191 243 3313.

Further information on the Pastoral Ministry Certificate

The presentation given on the 1st November 2017 at St. Augustine’s Darlington is now available as Powerpoint Presentation. It outlines some key elements of the Pastoral Ministry Certificate including content and the application process.

Applications for 2018 are now closed, but we are taking enquiries for the next study year commencing in 2019.

Plater Study Group

Louise Harrison, a parishioner of Newhouse Esh Winning in Durham is currently in the process of organising the formation of a Diocesan group to study the social teaching of the Church.

The document below provides further information on this and how to contact Louise: